The Functional & Applied Biomechanics Section (FAB) is a multi-disciplinary group of scientists, staff, and trainees. FAB is charged with: evaluating patients with complex motor disabilities; providing biomechanical expertise and support to other Clinical Center protocols; conducting innovative research; establishing productive scientific collaborations with other scientists at the NIH, academic institutions, and industry, nationally and internationally; and training the next generation of rehabilitation researchers.

Dr. Diane Damiano was appointed Chief of FAB in July, 2008. Under her leadership the previous mission to improve the lives of those with physical disabilities was expanded to include the development and testing of novel therapeutic intervention strategies in order to promote optimal recovery and restoration of function.

The three research arms of FAB are Neuromotor Assessment and Recovery, Virtual Functional Anatomy, and Rehabilitation Robotics. Beyond movement analysis using infrared cameras or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), FAB has expanded its expertise to areas that include state-of-the-science balance assessment, a robotics laboratory, and ultrasound. In addition, FAB has begun a program that uses brain imaging technologies (EEG and fNIRS) to assess and train motor coordination and capabilities.